Agenda Profile: Helmen Kütt
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Social Welfare Act and Other Acts (732 SE)
2025-10-15
The 15th Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position is to support the amendments to the Social Welfare Act, but to present strong criticism regarding the shortcomings of the draft bill, which is aimed at ensuring legal certainty and expanding social services. Specifically, emphasis is placed on the need to move the norms for calculating subsistence benefits from the explanatory memorandum into the text of the law, and to add funding for the audio description service for the visually impaired. The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, stressing adherence to the principle of legality.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Profound expertise in the domain of the Social Welfare Act, subsistence benefits, and services for persons with disabilities. Utilizes technical terminology and references to specific sections of the legislation, pages of the explanatory memorandum, and Supreme Court case law, emphasizing rigorous legal precision. Highlights extensive experience serving as both a member and the chair of the Social Affairs Committee.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is analytical, detailed, and concerned, focusing on legal and social issues. Both logical arguments (references to the constitution, the principle of legality, and previous case law) and illustrative examples (funeral expenses, the peace of mind fund) are utilized to emphasize the negative consequences of the low threshold. The speaker is formal and addresses both the presiding officer and the minister respectfully.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the legislative process, delivering three speeches during the first reading of the social welfare bill on a single day, which demonstrates a focused engagement with the topic. This preparation is evident, referencing research conducted beforehand, such as calling funeral homes to determine the cost of funeral expenses.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the drafters of the bill (the ministry) and procedural deficiencies, specifically the inclusion of standards in the explanatory memorandum rather than the text of the law itself. The absence of services for the visually impaired in the draft bill is also being criticized. The criticism is substantive and procedural, not personal.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It refers to the cooperation within the Social Affairs Committee and notes that the committee chairman has drawn attention to the same problem (the low threshold), which indicates a willingness to address these issues within the committee's framework. He/She addresses colleagues regarding the complexity of submitting amendments.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national Social Welfare Act and its impact on local governments (LG) when executing a state mandate, particularly concerning the establishment of maximum limits for housing costs. There is no regional focus; the topic is nationwide.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Emphasis is placed on the necessity of guaranteeing adequate state financial assistance to those in need. Criticism is leveled against the low savings threshold, which is currently set at two subsistence minimums. Warnings are issued that this low limit discourages people from saving and compels them to withdraw funds from the bank, thereby undermining the state's stated objective of promoting personal savings.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A strong focus on social justice and supporting vulnerable groups, especially people with disabilities (requiring audio description services) and the elderly and families struggling to cope financially. It is emphasized that the subsistence benefit must guarantee at least basic living standards.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the amendment of the draft Act (Bill 732 SE) concerning the amendment of the Social Welfare Act and other related legislation. Key priorities include embedding specific legal norms (such as the ceiling for savings) directly into the statutory text to ensure compliance with the principle of legality, and incorporating services for the visually impaired into the bill. The speaker is a critical supporter, insisting upon substantial modifications.
3 Speeches Analyzed